What is the SEVIS I-901 Fee?
The SEVIS I-901 Fee is a fee paid to DHS by all F-1, M-1 and J-1 visa participants. It is used for the maintenance and upkeep of SEVIS. The SEVIS I-901 Fee for the Summer Work/Travel program is $35.00. This fee must be paid prior to your visa interview. The federal statute relating to SEVIS, [8 USC ยง1372 (e)(5)], requires that a student or exchange visitor present proof of payment before being granted a visa or admission. The SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt, along with the electronic record in SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee payment system, serve as proof of payment. In most cases, Consular Officials who need to verify that you have paid the SEVIS fee can do so electronically. However, it is recommended that a copy of your receipt be retained. Having the receipt will make it easier to prove you have paid the fee. The receipt is also useful when you go to a visa interview if you are from a Visa Waiver country, or are applying for F-1, F-3, M-1, M-3 or J-1 status at the Port of Entry (POE)
